The authors wish to thank the public and charter school officials who voluntarily shared their experiences. The authors also acknowledge the assistance of Mackinac Center Communications Specialist Samuel Walker and Managing Editor of Publications David Bardallis.

About the Authors

Matthew Ladner, founder and president of Capitol Research and Consulting, received his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Houston. Dr. Ladner's research projects include studying legislative voting patterns, the competitive contracting of government services, special education services, and school choice programs.

Matthew J. Brouillette, a former junior-high and high school teacher, is director of education policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. He is the author of numerous Mackinac Center Viewpoint commentaries on education as well as several studies, including Unused Capacity in Privately Funded Michigan Schools, The Impact of School Choice on School Employee Labor Unions, and School Choice in Michigan: A Primer for Freedom in Education.

Mr. Brouillette received his bachelor of arts degree in U.S. history and secondary education from Cornell College in Iowa, his master of education degree in graduate education from Azusa Pacific University in California, and his master of arts degree in history from the University of San Diego.